On the margins of the official visit to the United Arab Emirates accompanying President Patrick Herminie, the First Lady of the Republic of Seychelles, Mrs Véronique Herminie, undertook a visit to the Abu Dhabi Autism Centre and the workshops and facilities of the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination.
She was accompanied by Mrs Pamela Payet, spouse of the Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to the UAE, Mr Gervais Moumou, and Ms Mikella Oshia, Senior Presidential Protocol Officer at State House. The delegation was warmly received by the General Director, Mr Abdulla Alhumaidan, and the senior management of the centres, who guided the visitors through the facilities and showcased the practical and innovative programmes designed to empower persons with different forms of disabilities.
During the visit, the First Lady took part in the “Autism Experience” at the Innovation Hub, an immersive activity aimed at enhancing understanding of the heightened sensory perceptions experienced by children with autism. This engagement followed closely after her participation in activities in Victoria, Seychelles, where she navigated the city in a motorised wheelchair to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, further reinforcing her personal commitment to disability awareness and inclusion.
Reflecting on the visit, the First Lady noted that it “provided valuable insight into best practices for promoting a more inclusive approach for persons with disabilities, while empowering them through education, therapy, employment, and social integration.” She emphasised that the talents and skills of persons with physical impairments, deafness, autism, down syndrome, and other conditions should be encouraged to flourish, both within the home environment and in the workplace. She further highlighted the importance of equipping parents with appropriate training and up-to-date guidance to better support children living with such conditions.
As part of her five-year engagement, the First Lady has committed to championing and protecting the most vulnerable groups in Seychellois society, including persons with disabilities, individuals with autism and Down syndrome, the elderly, survivors of domestic violence, and those affected by substance abuse. Her advocacy also aligns with strengthening Seychelles’ voice in advancing five priority Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, and Gender Equality.
The Abu Dhabi Autism Centre expressed its readiness to support the First Lady’s initiatives, including through the provision of training programmes for both parents and caregivers.
Mrs Herminie also commended the recent talent show organised by the School for the Exceptional Child (SEC) at Roche Caïman, a key institution supporting children with special needs in Seychelles. She noted with appreciation that, while she was unable to visit the Al Noor Training Centre in Dubai, SEC has already initiated collaboration with the institution, an effort facilitated through the Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles in Abu Dhabi.
-
-
-
-
